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Re: [APML] Getting Started
Parker, I'd echo Jon's and others' comments. By the way, nobody seems to
believe this advice so you will join a large and illustrious group of
people giving out this same advice later or be the first to jump to the
answer - we all envy you that chance!
My first rig was a fork mounted sct that was to be my "doing everything
single solution etc" and of course it was not up to the job and it was
hard to balance with camera and lenses on top. I just sold it. Pretty
good visual scope though.
My second rig was a Vixen SuperPolaris mount with a 4" achromat and it
has been an unending source of enjoyment. Sets up in seconds, easy to
polar align, tracks really well and is mechanically excellent. Also,
very light weight - I leave it set up in my observatory and usually just
carry it out and set up in the open. These are often offered up for sale
but they would be the least mount that you probably want (in terms of
weight capacity). My heavy lens tips it over in some directions!
Jon's comments below about the G-11 are right on - they are twice the
mount vs the GM8 for 25% more money. However, they are HEAVY so
portability is not so easy. The Vixen SP is trivial and can carry up to
15 lbs. The GM8 almost 30lbs and the G-11 can carry 60lbs. I have a G-11
and it is a dream.
Good luck!
Stuart
Jon Kolb wrote:
>Hi Parker,
>
>Welcome to the APML. You joined the list at a good time, since we're
>not in the middle of our semi-annual film vs. CCD thread <g>.
>
>I agree completely with the previous comments about getting a good mount
>first. A solid mount will take you anywhere the hobby leads you with
>whatever equipment you get later. A good deal on a GM-8 and a cheap
>achromatic refractor to use as a guidescope will get you going on
>tracked, guided shots if you already have a camera, just like others
>have mentioned. However, don't underestimate the creativity and
>satisfaction in shooting nightscapes (star trails) on film. If you
>already have a camera, lens and tripod, you can be doing
>astrophotography tonight while you hunt down a mount puchase. And, if
>you get going with what you have right away, you can save up a little
>more money and get a bigger mount that will be even more versatile.
>
>Personally, I'd save a little more and look for a deal on a G-11, since
>it will handle a bigger load and will hold almost any scope you are
>likely to buy. I'd also recommend forgetting about computerized go-to
>mounts - unless you're shooting tiny galaxies or something similar, my
>opinion is that they're not needed and cost extra money that could be
>spent on better optics. Besides, without the computer you will learn
>the night sky very well - satisfying and useful knowledge far exceeding
>the "gee whiz" of a computerized mount.
>
>Good luck, and post often. APML will save you lots of trouble as you
>progress in the hobby.
>
>Sincerely,
>Jon Kolb
>Adventures in Astrophotography
>http://home.datawest.net/jkolb/
>jkolb@datawest.net
>
>
>
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